Markets were left to digest the inflation data released by the National Bureau of Statistics this week, where headline rate crept to 18.55%. With this level of prices, Nigeria is now the 6thcountry with the highest inflation rate in sub-Saharan Africa.

The good news is that core inflation declined for the first time in months highlighting the possible change in direction and a slower pace in the rise in consumer prices.

In spite of the restarting of seven power plants, nationwide blackouts still persist. The joint committee of the senate and national assembly approved the 2017-2019 MTEF/FSP this week while the commodities market remained calm.